Seven things to watch in Rams-Redskins game

Redskins OLB Brian Orakpo (above) vs. Rams OTs Jason Smith and Rodger Safflold. Jim Haslett undoubtedly spent part of the week scouring tape of Smith and Saffold, trying to figure out who's most vulnerable as a pass blocker. On passing downs, Orakpo may line up on that tackle's side. Orakpo had 11 sacks last season as a rookie, and has a sack and 10 QB hurries this year.

Sound familiar?

"I'm very disappointed," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "There's no moral victories in this league. But I'm mostly disappointed in the fact that we've got a football team that works their butts off, and they haven't had a chance to feel victory yet." That was Spagnuolo after last year's 9-7 loss at Washington in Week 2.

Bradford's challenge

Haslett, the former Rams interim head coach, would like nothing better than to beat the team that bypassed him for its head-coaching vacancy after the 2008 season. It's all but a guarantee that Haslett will throw plenty of blitzes and disguised coverages at Sam Bradford.

London calling

Only one player from the Rams' Super Bowl XXXIV championship squad is still active in the NFL — Washington middle linebacker London Fletcher. He was the Rams' leading tackler in 1999, 2000 and '01. Now the Redskins' defensive captain, Fletcher makes his 154th consecutive start.

Who's that?

He enjoys painting and crafting pottery and is an avid fan of '80s "Hair" bands. Chris Cooley (above) also likes catching passes, and only three NFL tight ends have more receptions than his 352 since the start of the '04 season. The Rams are light at linebacker, and with safety Craig Dahl (concussion) expected to miss the game, it may be tougher than usual to cover Cooley.

On center stage

After facing QBs Derek Anderson, Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski, the Rams move up in class against six-time Pro Bowler Donovan McNabb (above). In four career starts against St. Louis — all with Philadelphia — McNabb has a 100.1 passer rating. By the way, he threw for 426 yards last week against Houston.

Fresh legs

The Redskins struggled defending the pass against Houston, so the Rams — yes, the Rams — may try to air it out. With Laurent Robinson (foot) not expected to play, Brandon Gibson could see his first action of the season, and rookie Mardy Gilyard (above) could see more time at wide receiver for the Rams.

Re: Seven things to watch in Rams-Redskins game

Laurent is very fragile, can't seem to stay healthy. Alway thought Gibby should have been in there from the start of the season. Looking forward to see he and Mardy become steady targets for SAM against the Skins.

Redskins OLB Brian Orakpo (above) vs. Rams OTs Jason Smith and Rodger Safflold. Jim Haslett undoubtedly spent part of the week scouring tape of Smith and Saffold, trying to figure out who's most vulnerable as a pass blocker. On passing downs, Orakpo may line up on that tackle's side. Orakpo had 11 sacks last season as a rookie, and has a sack and 10 QB hurries this year.

Sound familiar?

"I'm very disappointed," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "There's no moral victories in this league. But I'm mostly disappointed in the fact that we've got a football team that works their butts off, and they haven't had a chance to feel victory yet." That was Spagnuolo after last year's 9-7 loss at Washington in Week 2.

Bradford's challenge

Haslett, the former Rams interim head coach, would like nothing better than to beat the team that bypassed him for its head-coaching vacancy after the 2008 season. It's all but a guarantee that Haslett will throw plenty of blitzes and disguised coverages at Sam Bradford.

London calling

Only one player from the Rams' Super Bowl XXXIV championship squad is still active in the NFL — Washington middle linebacker London Fletcher. He was the Rams' leading tackler in 1999, 2000 and '01. Now the Redskins' defensive captain, Fletcher makes his 154th consecutive start.

Who's that?

He enjoys painting and crafting pottery and is an avid fan of '80s "Hair" bands. Chris Cooley (above) also likes catching passes, and only three NFL tight ends have more receptions than his 352 since the start of the '04 season. The Rams are light at linebacker, and with safety Craig Dahl (concussion) expected to miss the game, it may be tougher than usual to cover Cooley.

On center stage

After facing QBs Derek Anderson, Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski, the Rams move up in class against six-time Pro Bowler Donovan McNabb (above). In four career starts against St. Louis — all with Philadelphia — McNabb has a 100.1 passer rating. By the way, he threw for 426 yards last week against Houston.

Fresh legs

The Redskins struggled defending the pass against Houston, so the Rams — yes, the Rams — may try to air it out. With Laurent Robinson (foot) not expected to play, Brandon Gibson could see his first action of the season, and rookie Mardy Gilyard (above) could see more time at wide receiver for the Rams.